World Cup Group C Preview - France + one other?

Who is in the group?

France, Australia, Peru, Denmark.

Who are the favourites?

France. Plain and simple. From the outside looking in there is plenty to be envious about in the French squad, which should top the group with relative ease.

The teams:

France:

Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, Karim Benzema and Dimitri Payet all failed to make the final cut for one reason or another, but the quality on show in this France squad is scary. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann are likely to lead the line when France get their campaign underway, something that makes it difficult to see France's summer ending early. Whilst previous France squads have seemed like a ticking time-bomb, Didier Descahmps' men exude a surprising harmony, with the boss, who played in France's only World Cup triumph in 1998, keen to keep things that was as he looks to avoid repeating past mistakes. With Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi in midfield there is an incredible level of pace and power that is likely to prove hard to stop in Russia. Those physical attributes don't mean that 'Les Bleus' lack talent though, with three of the five most expensive players in history included in their squad. With talent in abundance and a point to prove after they fell agonisingly short on home turf as Euro 2016, this could be France's moment to shine.

Australia:

Better late than never. The 'Socceroos' were forced to go through two play-offs to make it to their fourth consecutive tournament after coming in behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference in Asian qualifying. Having never made it past the last 16, that looks unlikely to change this summer, with a difficult group awaiting Bert Van Marwijk's men. Interestingly, Van Marwijk was the one who led Saudi Arabia to the tournament, but whilst there is undoubtedly some quality at his disposal in the form of Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy, Robbie Kruse and Tom Rogic, it is unlikely to be enough to extend their stay out in Russia beyond the statutory three games.

Peru:

Their first World Cup appearance since 1982, Peru will be eager to make an impact in Russia and are boosted by the fact that talismanic striker Paolo Guerrero has seen a drugs ban overturned, making him available for selection. A play-off win over New Zealand brought the South Americans to the finals, shocking the many onlookers who saw Chile, Ecuador and Paraguay as more likely to claim fifth place in South American qualifying. Peru conceded just seven goals in eight games in 2017 and Ricardo Gareca's stubborn defence is likely to be key in giving his side a chance of progressing beyond the Group Stage. 

Denmark:

Pushed all the way in qualifying, a second-leg play-off thrashing of Ireland secured safe passage for the Danes. Chrsitain Eriksen was key that night, scoring thrice and he is likely to be of vital importance to his coutnry this summer. Denmark failed to qualify for the last World Cup, but boast a number of instantly-recognisable names in their side, including Chelsea's Andreas Christensen, Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Delaney and Leicester's Premier League-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Age Harede will need to make sure his side produce more performances like the ones that saw them thump Ireland in the play-offs and Poland back in September. The Danes will go into the tournament unbeaten in 13 games if they avoid defeat in their final World Cup warm-up game against Mexico.

Team guides:

France

Australia 

Peru

Denmark